You don’t have to. But there may be consequences. For example, if they ask you to return and you do not return, then they may terminate you. Or, they may argue in your work comp case that your wage loss benefits should be suspended/stopped because you refused available work within your restrictions.
But these are tricky scenarios usually. The Employer often pushes the injured worker to do more than the medical restrictions call for. Or, sometimes, they just want the injured worker to come back so they can fire them and then argue in work comp court that the wage loss is now due to the worker getting fired versus the work injury.
When an injured worker in Pennsylvania receives a job offer letter, the most important thing to do is talk to an experienced Pennsylvania Workmans Comp Lawyer like myself. The advice won’t cost you anything out of your pocket and you could make big mistakes without such advice.
Every case is unique and has its own facts so be careful about listening to co-workers or friends’ advice from their situations. Your case may have different circumstances warranting different action.
For more info about job offers and Pennsylvania Work Comp Law, call experienced PA Work Comp Lawyer, Michael W. Cardamone at (267) 651-7945 or email Michael@cardamonelaw.com for a FREE consult.